1. Bryan Cox, linebacker
Maybe Dave Wannstedt should have figured something was up when his mentor, Jimmy Johnson, didn’t try to keep Cox with the Dolphins in 1996. In two seasons, Cox produced 8 sacks, no interceptions and plenty of distractions. He will be best remembered for flashing an obscene gesture during a game. A bad idea that didn’t work out.
2. Kordell Stewart, quarterback
Bears liked him because of his experience, but saddled him with an offense devoid of creativity–unless you like quarterback draws and 3-yard patterns. Even as a stopgap, it didn’t work out.
3. Thomas Smith, cornerback
Bears hoped they were getting an up-and-coming defender in 2000, but found out his best role was as the No. 2 cornerback, which he had been in Buffalo. Not known for having great hands, he lasted one season and had no interceptions.
4. Tom Carter, cornerback
Carter left the Redskins for the Bears in 1997 with expectations of being a long-term Bear but lasted only three seasons.
5. Bam Morris, running back
The Bears didn’t expect much from Morris, and they didn’t get much. The Bears gave the former Raven a shot at a comeback in 1998, and he responded with 3 carries for 8 yards.